Best Medication For ADHD
The majority of children and teens who take ADHD medication notice they focus better and are less impulsive. They also feel calmer and more focused with their school work. Some may experience a slight slowdown in growth and may have an increased heart rate or blood pressure when taking these medications.
The medications are available in a variety of forms like capsules, tablets liquid, patches and tablets (such as Daytrana). Adderall (methylphenidate) is the most well-known stimulant. It comes in three forms: immediate-release, extended-release, and sustained-release.
Stimulants
One of the most effective medications for ADHD is a class called stimulants. These drugs aid in improving concentration and attention by altering certain neurotransmitters within the brain, specifically dopamine and norepinephrine. These are the chemicals that regulate the pre-frontal cortex region that is often called the brain's "secretary" because it helps with organizing and planning abilities.
Stimulants are available in short- and long-acting doses. The short-acting medicines peak in 30 to 45 minutes and should be taken two or three times a day. Amphetamines such as Adderall and Dexedrine, and methylphenidates like Ritalin, Concerta and Ritalin, are among these. Amphétamines are stronger and last longer, but they all work in similar ways to improve concentration and attention. There are also extended-release versions of a few stimulant drugs. These can be a better option since they last between 8 to 12 hours and are typically taken once per day. Some of these medications are powders that you mix with liquid to create drinks, while others are pills.
Finding the right medication can take some time. Your doctor will watch how you respond to the different kinds of drugs and adjust the dosage as needed. The use of medications should be done as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that will include support and behavioral therapy services.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications take a little longer to kick in however they can help you feel more in control and boost your impulsivity, concentration and focus. These drugs don't affect dopamine or norepinephrine in the same way that stimulants do, and therefore can be safer to use for longer periods of time. These medications can also have less side effects such as heartburn, constipation and a decreased sexual drive. Strattera is the first of these drugs that was approved by the FDA to treat ADHD. It's an inhibitor of the selective reuptake of norepinephrine. Your doctor may prescribe other medicines from this class which include guanfacine (Intuniv) and clonidine (Kapvay).
There are also antidepressants that are not stimulant that are prescribed off-label to treat ADHD. Tricyclic antidepressants from the past, such as Tofranil(imipramine) are used to treat ADHD. These drugs are only prescribed by doctors if stimulants or other non-stimulants fail website to work, or if they cause too many adverse side effects.
Viloxazine or atomoxetine can be prescribed by your physician. These medicines don't have an immediate effect however they can help reduce impulsivity and improve concentration over time. These medications belong to a different class of drugs than the others and can trigger adverse effects such as shaky hands or headache. Your doctor might also recommend a low dose of an antidepressant known as bupropion (Wellbutrin) which is not a FDA-approved treatment for ADHD however it can help improve concentration and reduce the impulsivity. It can have some unpleasant but usually not severe adverse effects, such as ringing in the ears or changes in vision.